Ranking the top 25 men's college basketball transfers of 2025-26

"Only a few teams that have been led by true freshmen in the one-and-done era have won national titles. The transfers, meanwhile, have dominated college basketball in the portal era. Just last season, Walter Clayton Jr. was the Most Outstanding Player in Florida's national title run, two years after transferring in from Iona."

"The future first-round pick's scoring numbers aren't as gaudy as those of the others on this list, but he is the most impactful player for one of the top-tier national championship contenders. The former UAB transfer can guard multiple positions, play in transition, create for others and has become more of a perimeter threat, already taking more 3s this season than he did the past two seasons combined."

"It's no surprise Stirtz has translated seamlessly to the Big Ten. He was highly successful following Ben McCollum from Northwest Missouri State to Drake, and his scoring numbers are actually better in the Big Ten than they were in the Missouri Valley. The Hawkeyes' offensive system is catered to Stirtz's strengths, but his success is not just limited to usage: He's averaging 23.3 points and 3.7 assists in league play, shooting 39.3% from 3."

The 2025-26 season features an exceptional freshman class that has captured significant attention, yet transfers continue to play crucial roles on top teams. Historically, transfers have dominated college basketball during the portal era, with recent examples including Walter Clayton Jr. winning Most Outstanding Player honors in Florida's national championship, and transfers like Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer helping Dan Hurley win back-to-back titles. Lendeborg, a UAB transfer, has become a key player for a championship contender, averaging 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while providing defensive versatility. Stirtz has successfully transitioned to the Big Ten from Drake, averaging 23.3 points and shooting 39.3% from three-point range in conference play.

Read at ESPN.com